ROY HODGSON today backed Joe Cole to recapture the sparkle that made him the summer’s most wanted man once he recovers from an ill-timed injury setback.

The England international will miss the chance to lock horns with his former employers Chelsea this weekend after tweaking his hamstring in the 1-0 win over Bolton.

He is also out of Thursday’s Europa League clash with Napoli and unlikely to be ready for the game at Wigan Athletic next Wednesday, two days after his 29th birthday.

That problem could not have come at a worse time for Cole, who has struggled to make the impact that was expected following his high-profile switch from Stamford Bridge.

Aside from injury, Cole has had to deal with a three-game suspension, missed a penalty in front of the Kop and experienced what he described after the Goodison derby as “the worst spell of form in my career”.

Hodgson, though, believes positives can be taken from the fact Cole felt compelled to make such an admission and has no doubt that the midfielder will, in time, start producing the type of creative, influential displays with which he has become synonymous.

“It’s a good sign he said that because it takes a certain type of player to be able to face up and be so honest,” said Hodgson.

“It’s better coming from him than it is coming from me. When people look at him or, say, Fernando (Torres) to criticise, I as a manager feel it comes upon me in my responsibilities to stand in the way.

“I’ve got to protect because I know how hard both of them work and I know how badly they want to play well for Liverpool.

“Football is not a science. It is a sport. Sometimes you are in better form than others. If you are a good player, like Joe and like Fernando, you play better more often.”

Cole may have been disappointed with his contribution to date but Hodgson – who will meet new owner John W Henry for talks today about the club's winter transfer plans – does not believe it has been all doom and gloom.

There have been flashes of quality – notably the ball he produced for Torres in the win over Blackburn – and Hodgson insists Cole has what it takes to help make Liverpool a better side.

“I think Joe has done well in that he is so committed, he works his socks off and he wants to do well here,” said Hodgson.